USDA to Measure Small Grain Production

ATHENS, GA (USDA/NASS) – During the first two weeks of September, growers of small grains around the country will receive survey forms from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2019 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, and rye. “The small grains industry is …

Crops Covered Under Market Facilitation Program

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced further details of the $16 billion package to help American ag producers affected by trade tariffs. This includes direct payments to farmers through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). USDA Chief Economist Rob Johansson looks at what is covered under MFP. MFP signup starts Monday at local Farm Service Agency offices. For …

ARS Efforts Should Help Ensure Our Wheat Supply

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their partners published a study that should boost efforts to develop new varieties of wheat that are better equipped to resist a fungal disease that threatens global wheat production each year. The report in Nature Genetics, by Guihua Bai and his colleagues identifies a key gene that could be used as an important genetic resource by wheat …

Market Facilitation Program Details Are Days Away

The details for the multi-billion dollar Market Facilitation Program (MFP) are just days away. Stephanie Ho has more. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026

Marketing Assistance Loan Deadlines Approaching

May 31 Deadline for Feed Grains, Upland Cotton, Soybeans and Minor Oilseeds U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce reminds producers of the May 31 deadline to apply for crop year 2018 marketing assistance loans for feed grains, upland cotton, soybeans and minor oilseeds. “These commodity loans provide short-term financing, allowing producers to meet interim …

USDA Releases Shutdown-delayed Reports

The Department of Agriculture’s backlog of reports delayed from the government shutdown overall provided a neutral outlook. USDA reported 2018 corn production at 14.4 billion bushels with a national average yield of 176 bushels per acre. Meanwhile, USDA says farmers harvested a record 4.5 billion bushels of soybeans, up three percent from last year, with a national average yield of …

Farm Futures Survey Shows Planting Intentions

A survey by Farm Futures finds growers said they want to boost corn and cotton acreage, while cutting back on crops affected by China’s import tariffs on soybeans and sorghum. Farm Futures surveyed 626 farmers in December and January and reported soybean planting intentions of 84.6 million acres, down 5.5 percent from 2018, but more than the 82.5 million projected …

MFP Payments Being Issued

Commodity producers are now eligible to receive Market Facilitation Payments (MFP) on the second half of their 2018 production. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or …

Second Round of Trade Aid Payments Underway

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving forward on the second and final round of trade mitigation payments to farmers hurt from retaliation by America’s trading partners. Commodity producers are now eligible to receive market facilitation payments (MFP) on the second half of their 2018 production. USDA has been sending out the first round of MFP payments to producers …